Continuity and Change in American Slavery (1820-1860)

Between 1820 and 1860, the United States experienced significant social, political, and economic changes. The expansion of the nation and the rise of sectional identities increased tensions between the North and South, particularly surrounding issues such as slavery and states’ rights. Examine the continuity and change in the role and perception of slavery in the United States during this period. In your answer, consider how these changes influenced the sectional divide and the national discourse surrounding slavery.